From the Archives

25 years ago

2000

Wicklow teen wins Lady of the Erne crown

Eighteen-year-old Denise Brennan from Arklow, County Wicklow, was crowned the 10th Lady of the Erne in a glamorous event held at the Slieve Russell Hotel.

A talented singer, Denise captivated the audience with her rendition of Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she was embraced by her family as her win was announced.

Aiming to pursue a career in musical theatre, Denise was training with vocal coach Veronica Dunne and told the audience of her hopes to attend music college. She had also attracted interest from Riverdance producers.

Previously active in musicals like Oliver, Oklahoma, and Jesus Christ Superstar, Denise said she was thrilled to have taken part in the local contest after entering last minute.

Denise works in her sister Dorothy’s Beauty Therapy premises during the summer holidays and her father was involved in the building trade. She only entered the Wicklow heat of the Lady of the Erne when her two sisters declined.

“It is all hard to believe that I’m here in the fabulous hotel and suddenly, I’m ‘Lady of the Erne’ for 2000,” she said.

Clones Revenue Collector verbally abused

Tensions between Clones Urban District Council and the GAA escalated after a council employee was verbally abused while attempting to discuss unpaid rates at St Tiarnach’s Park.

County Manager Joe Gavin demanded an apology from the GAA, while councillors expressed dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of co-operation at the time.

It was noted that a payment for litter clean-up was made on the same day.

Clones UDC was seeking a meeting with the Executive of the Ulster Council in a bid to sort out current difficulties and to express their dissatisfaction at the way the council’s Revenue Collector and engineer were allegedly treated...

Church Army hits the road

Three members of the Church Army, a religious group within the Church of Ireland, were touring the country in a trailer to help young people explore issues of faith.

Led by Keith and Pauline Dyde and Charles Harris, the team visited Drung National School. Their initiative targets schools and churches, aiming to offer hope and spiritual support in modern times.

The tour includes also had stops in towns like Naas, Lisburn, Enniskillen, and Westport...

50 years ago

1975

Tenant protest over rent hikes

At a meeting of Cootehill Town Commissioners, a deputation of five tenants raised serious concerns over increased council house rents and delays in implementing the Tenant Purchase Scheme.

Vice-chair Margot Owens presided over the meeting, during which the delegation, led by H. Sherlock, demanded immediate action.

Mr Sherlock warned that failure to address the issue would lead to further protest.

The tenants had expected a presentation of plans for a new housing scheme, as it had already been sanctioned. The Town Clerk, J.P. Smith, explained that the County Manager had been invited to attend but was currently on holiday. This explanation was not well received and the commissioners collectively expressed frustration over the absence of communication and the apparent disregard for their specific request for updates.

Mrs M. Hoban described the lack of response as discourteous, while N. Connolly criticised the current County Manager’s failure to send even a representative, a courtesy previously observed.

Although technically not obligated to attend meetings except for the budget estimates, Commissioners emphasised that they had the authority to request his presence under Department of Local Government guidelines. They resolved to formally seek his attendance at the next meeting to review housing plans and address the rent increases affecting council tenants...

Cavan Minors lose Ulster title

Cavan’s minor football team saw their reign as Ulster champions come to an end with a narrow defeat by Tyrone, 0-10 to 0-7, in a lackluster final at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones.

Having ended a 15-year title drought the previous year, Cavan entered this year’s final with hopes of retaining their crown.

However doubts over form, particularly after a fortunate semi-final win over Down, proved justified.

Although the match was closely contested, Cavan never found the spark or teamwork required to overcome a disciplined Tyrone.

Tyrone, last winners in 1973, played with a more fluid style and fully deserved their victory, despite not being particularly impressive and move forward to face Kildare in the next round...

Cavan chef cooks for Margaret Thatcher

A chef from Killinkere, John M. Clarke, had the honour of preparing lunch for British Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher at London’s prestigious Athenaeum Hotel in Piccadilly.

Mr Clarke served as Second Chef at the Athenaeum, and has been working in the West End for the past two years.

Prior to his role in London, Mr Clarke worked at top hotels in Killarney and Dublin, including the Great Southern Hotel and the Kildare Street Club.

He also spent 18 months working in Switzerland.

Mr Conboy had cooked for celebrities including Richard Burton and other government figures such as the Rt. Hon. Ernest Marples in the past.

100 years ago

1925

Poisoning charge

Elizabeth Reilly from Granard was remanded after being charged with the murder of her husband, Edward.

The husband’s death took place months before, and at the inquest found he died from the “effects of strychnine poisoning, whether self-administered or by whom we have no evidence before us.”

The widow was the principal witness at the inquest and she said how her husband complained of feeling unwell. He had breakfast in bed and during the day she went to Granard to fetch some rum.